Consumer Grilling Insights

Poll shows beef is a must-have on consumers' summer shopping lists

The Beef Checkoff conducted a poll May 9-11 to understand consumers' plans for grilling this summer. The findings showed that Beef continues to be king of the grill and that consumers' love for steaks and burgers on the grill is unwavering.

The report showed:

Consumers are more likely to grill or eat beef than other proteins this Memorial Day.

42% of consumers plan to grill or eat beef this upcoming Memorial Day.

The number of consumers who say they plan to grill or eat beef this Memorial Day is on par with the number who said they planned to do so last 4th of July ,which is consumers’ favorite grilling holiday. Memorial Day ranks 2nd.

Burgers are what consumers say they plan to eat or grill most this Memorial Day weekend, followed by Steak.

The consumers who say they’ll be eating or grilling beef this Memorial Day weekend, will be eating:

Burgers – 61.4% plan to eat or grill burgers

Steak – 45% will be eating steak

Those likely to eat Steak is higher than we say during the July 4th holiday last year (+10.8%) and even slightly higher than Labor Day (+3.2%)

Kebobs – 9%

Another beef dish such as ribs or roasts – 12.4%

Millennials are more likely to be serving multiple options this Memorial Day as they say they’re likely to grill or eat multiple beef items such as burgers, steaks and hot dogs.

Consumer desire for beef this grilling season is higher than for other proteins.

Almost half of consumers (46.3%) say they’re most looking forward to eating beef this summer grilling season, compared to 24.5% who say they’re looking forward to chicken, and 12% looking forward to pork.

The number of consumers who say they’re most looking forward to beef this summer grilling season is almost double that or any other protein.

Of the 46.3% of consumers looking forward to beef this summer grilling season, nearly 60% say they’re likely to try something new like a new spice, seasoning or marinade, or a new recipe or beef cut.

36.4% say they're interested in trying a new spice, marinade or seasoning

23% say a new recipe

18% say a new cut or type of beef

17% say a new style of cooking or grilling

Source: Google Consumer Survey, May 9-13, 2015 and based on 1,205 online responses. Sample: National adult internet population